Sample Project Charter

Executive Summary

This document formally authorizes (project name). As of today, (date), we are embarking on this project because we must improve (main reason(s) for project).

Key stakeholders

Executive Sponsor

I, (name), (title) will be the executive sponsor. My role will be to ensure the ultimate success of the project, and champion and mentor the project manager. In addition, I will sign off on all planning documents and change requests. If you have any questions, I can be reached at (phone number) or (e-mail address).

Project Manager

(name) will be the project manager. As such, (name) is authorized to plan and conduct project activities and make necessary expenditures within the approved budget of (amount) and achieve all project objectives. (name) will be assembling an initial project team and can be reached at (phone number) or (e-mail address).

Initial Project Team

The initial project team will consist of (number) members taken from different areas of the company related to the project. If you are called upon to serve on this team, please do so knowing you have the approval of management. If you feel you cannot serve due to time concerns, please let me and your immediate manager know and we will reassess your current priorities.

If you are not asked to serve, please do not think it is because your input is not wanted or needed. Ultimately, it is our intention to solicit feedback from everyone involved in the project. Keep in mind that this project is still in the earliest stages of development and, should we decide to continue, you may be asked to serve in the future.

Business need

(two to three sentences describing the circumstances that prompted this project)

Products and/or services needed

(two to three sentences describing the critical characteristics of the products and/or services needed)

Known issues

(description of any problems this project is expected to fix or desired results this project will achieve)

Known constraints

(any known time, cost, scope, quality, or other resource issues or factors that will limit the way the project team can approach the project)

Known assumptions

(any facts that you presume to be true, real, or certain in order to begin planning the project)

Approval

I have authored this project charter and officially authorize that work can begin.

(executive sponsor) (customer name)

Title

Date